Apparel hook



April 20,1937. 'H H. LAHR u L 2,077,629

APPAREL HOOK I nven lor A Homey:

April 20, 1937. H. H. LAHR 2,077,629

' APPAREL HOOK 2 sheets-sheet v:a

Patented Apr. 20, 1937 UNITED s'rArEs rATENT OFFICE 2 Claims.

This invention relates to apparel hangers and hooks and has more specific reference to a novel projectable and retractable spring controlled structure.

The need for a disappearing and concealed hook of this character is well recognized not only as a matter of convenience, but to promote safety and thereby avoid injury. I have, therefore, evolved. and produced an arrangement which is characterized by a sheath-like enclosure for a pivoted hook wherein the hook is partially projected under the action of a spring and automatically kept in an out-of-the-way retracted position when not in use.

By way of contrast with prior art structures, the invention relies for partial novelty on the provision of a suitable adapter casing susceptible of being attached to a wall or similar support, the hanger hook being pivoted in the lower portion thereof in such a way as to swing out to a substantially horizontal position for adequate article hanging purposes and when in the latter position being appropriately braced to promote strength and reliability.

The chief novelty, structurally speaking, has to do with the provision of a double acting spring confined within the adapter housing or casing wherein the spring serves to retain the hook in the casing in a novel trip manner and then co- 30 operates to initially swing the hock out to a position to be easily grasped and swung down to supporting position.

Other features and advantages will become more readily apparent from the following degg, scription and drawings.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a front View of the preferred embodiment of the invention showing the type wherein the sheath-like adapter casing is adapted to fit into a recess or mortise in a wall, board, or the like.

Figure 2 is an edge view of Figure l.

Figure 3 is a horizontal section on the line 3-3 of Figure 2.

Figure 4 is a view in section and elevation showing the spring and control button means.

Figure 5 is an elevational view similar to Figure 2 showing how the supporting hook is swung out to apparel hanging position,

Figures 6 and 7 are perspective drawings of the spring and hook, respectively.

Figure 8 is a View of a different embodiment of the invention showing the attaching flange on the back of the casing with the casing pro- 55 jecting beyond the flange, which type of device (Cl. 24S- 294) is applicable by simple screws, nails, or the like, without requiring mortising.

Figure 9 is a View in section and elevation of the arrangement depicted in Figure 8.

Both embodiments of the invention are generically the same, but will nevertheless be described separately so far as the adapter casings are concerned. The hook, spring means and button, however, are the same throughout and corresponding numerals are utilized in Figures 1 to 9, inclusive. Considering, however, Figures 1 to '7 as a matter of convenience, it will be observed that the sheath-like adapter casing, which isof general rectangular form and vertically elongated, is denoted by the numeral II. This is of any appropriate material and open on its front and provided on the front with a facing as well as attaching flange or plate I2. In this form of the invention the casing is adapted to be set into a recess or mortised in a wall, door frame, or the like.

The apparel supporting hook or arm is denoted by the numeral I3. It is of appropriate proportion to fit in the casing sothat it can be swung in and out in an obvious manner. It is pivotally mounted adjacent the bottom of the casing as indicated at I4 and is here provided with a stop element or abutment i5 which engages with the back wall of the casing when it swings out to a horizontal supporting position. This is to distribute the stress and strain and to provide an adequate retention brace for the hook armas it swings out to its horizontal supporting position. It will be observed that the free end of the hook is formed with a rounded head I6. This head is adapted to cooperate with a keeper element '16a on the upper end of a spring I1. The intermediate portion I9 of the spring is attached by a rivet or the like 2U to the back wall of the casing. The return bent end 2| which forms the lower portion of the spring constitutes a presser and projecting element and is engageable with the hook I3 as shown in Figure 4 when it is swung into the casing.

It is to be observed that the upper portion of the front plate is constructed to accommodate a push button 22 whose inner or headed end is fastened to the keeper element |611. It will be apparent that when the button 22 is pushed in-v wardly, the hook I3 will be moved inwardly until the top portion thereof clears the keeper element Ilia. The hook I3 is then moved into operative position by the spring portion 2|, said portion 2i having been tensioned by the previous move- --ly beyond Vthe wall.

ment of the hook I3 into engagement with the keeper element IBR.

It is to be observed that at its front and adjacent the bottom the casing is fashioned with an abutment or stop element 23 which cooperates with the adjacent regulating abutment I5. Also, the rounded projected head on the free end of the hook I3 is so formulated as to functionv as a cam. That is to say, the rounded surface thereof when the hook is swung in against the keeper element lifts the keeper element up and permits the latch action to be successfully accomplished.

It is understood that in this form of the invention the casing is adapted to be set into a recess or mortice in the relatively iiXed supporting surface, such as a wall, frame, bed post, or the like. It is also understood that since the device is adapted for general home use, it `is not always possible for the average person to successfully install the type of device illustrated in Figures l and 2 for example. Under the-circumstances I provide the reversed arrangement depicted in :Figures '8 and 9. Vl-Iere the principle rof construction and ,operation .is lthe same. The adapter 4bracket or .lxtures however, is denoted 'by the numeral 24 land comprises a base or attaching plate l25 Whichmay be secured by fasteners, such fas screws or nails 26. Here 'the sheath-like casing 211 is fastened to the plate so that it projects -out vbeyond the fplate. Consequently, infstead vof morticing the `device into place flush with the wall, we simply attach the base plate to the wall and allow the casing yto project 'slight- Otherwise the features are the same and the same numerals are applicable -to corresponding zparts.

In both forms of the invention it is evident that we have a protector housing, casing, or suitable fixture, which constitutes the relatively iixed fattaching means. This -is adapted -to receive and conceal the projectable and retractable pivotally mounted hook. 'I'he hook is itself so made -as to facilitate hanging of garments and apparel thereon 'when in an extended supportfing position. The hook is provided at its lower end with a stop abutment I5, which limits the inward swinging rof the vhook into the casing. The chief novelty, however, is in the cam latch aovzezs and keeper arrangement at the top comprising the features I6 and IBa, in conjunction with the nger actuated pressure button 22 and the spring means I8. Equal importance, however, is attached to the use of the single double acting spring I 'I which includes the lower portion 2I calculated to initially start the hook out to be swung out from the casing when the releasing button is pushed in.

It is thought that the description taken in connection with the drawings will enable a clear understanding of the invention to be had. Therefore, a more lengthy description is thought unnecessary.

Whi-le the preferred embodiment of the invention has been shown and described, it is to be understood that minor changes coming within the field of invention claimed may be resorted to if desired.

I claim:

il. VA device 'of the class described comprising -essentially an kupright .casing Aopen at its front,

ra hook 'pivotally connected adjacent to its lower end to the casing and having at its upper end a head, and an upright spring strip arranged in the casing back of the hook and having a forwardly curved upper portion on which is a keeper element complementary to the hook head, and on which `is also a forwardly projecting button.

2. A device of `the class described comprising essentially an upright casing open at its front, a hook pivotally connected adjacent to its lower end Sto the casing and arranged in upright position in the casing and having a head at its upper end, and an upright spring strip having an intermediate portion mounted in the casing back of Athe hook and also having at its upper end an outwardly curved portion equipped with a button projecting in front of the casing and also equipped with a keeper element, the latter to en- Iadapted on releaserof the hook head to press lthe hook outwardly.

HERBERT H. LAI-IR. 

